Research Interests: Efficient energy harvesting from humans and machines, in particular from low frequency and random motion, e.g. for powering biosensors and medical implants; system integration of these devices with novel sensor technologies, e.g. gas pipeline safety monitoring; vibration analysis and testing; piezoelectric material research and modelling; wireless sensors and communications; wireless power transfer

BIOGRAPHYDr. Pit Pillatsch joined BSAC as a postdoctoral researcher in 2014. He currently is engaged in several projects funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC), Flex Tech, and the Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute (BECI).

Dr. Pillatsch received an MSc degree in mechanical engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) after completing his thesis at Kyoto University in 2010. He completed his PhD at the optical and Semiconductor Devices Group in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of Imperial College, London in 2013.

Following completion of his PhD, Dr. Pillatsch worked as an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Prize fellow. After departing from his position with EPSRC, he started his new position under Professor Paul Wright.

Sensor Instrumentation to Improve Safety of U.S. Underground Coal Mines [BPN738]Coal mining is recognized as a dangerous undertaking. Explosions of coal dust and gases that may exist underground (such as methane) are well-known hazards, in addition to which are unexpected structural collapses. In order to prevent the propagation of coal dust explosions, regulations require that inert rock dust is applied in underground areas of a coal mine. This project is aimed at creating real-time sensors to determine the explosibility of a coal and rock dust mixture and to communicate the results from inside the mine to safety personnel above ground.